Mark Price named Charlotte 49ers coach

Charlotte, NC (SportsNetwork.com) - Former NBA star Mark Price has been named the next men's basketball coach at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Price replaces Alan Major, who parted ways with the program on March 15.

"I'm extremely excited about joining the Charlotte 49ers as the new basketball coach," Price said. "I'm excited to get to know the current players as we move forward and start a new era. I'm looking forward to putting a team on the court that plays an exciting brand of basketball that our students and fans will enjoy watching."

Price, a four-time NBA All-Star, has been an assistant coach for the Charlotte Hornets the past two seasons.

Price, 51, averaged 17.4 points in four seasons for Georgia Tech and 18.3 points and 8.1 assists over 12 NBA seasons with Cleveland, Washington, Golden State and Orlando. He ranks second on the NBA's all-time free throw percentage list behind Steve Nash.

Major, 46, took two leaves of absence from Charlotte in the past year to deal with medical issues. The 49ers were 75-81 in five seasons under Major. They were 67-70 with him on the bench.